Buteo Shadows Raptor Center
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How can I help an abandoned baby bird?
What should I do if I find a sick or injured raptor?
Call Buteo Shadows Raptor Center at 520-424-9348 immediately!
As much as possible, keep the raptor warm, safe and in a dark,
quiet place away from all humans and animals. Stress (fear) can
claim the life of these wild creatures. Remember
that in their world you are their mortal enemy.
Some humans think that because the raptor
does not resist them the bird knows the human
is there to help. The bird does not know this.
If a raptor does not resist you, it is because
the bird is too weak to defend herself. Any
amount of petting, cooing or coddling does not calm the bird.
The immediate steps you take for any wild creature may
determine whether she returns to her home in the wild.
Call Buteo Shadows Raptor Center at 520-424-9348 immediately!
As much as possible, keep the raptor warm, safe and in a dark,
quiet place away from all humans and animals. Stress (fear) can
claim the life of these wild creatures. Remember
that in their world you are their mortal enemy.
Some humans think that because the raptor
does not resist them the bird knows the human
is there to help. The bird does not know this.
If a raptor does not resist you, it is because
the bird is too weak to defend herself. Any
amount of petting, cooing or coddling does not calm the bird.
The immediate steps you take for any wild creature may
determine whether she returns to her home in the wild.
First and foremost, make sure the baby bird is actually
abandoned. Feeding baby birds is time-consuming for the
parents and they will spend time away from the nest in
search of food. Make sure you absolutely know the parents
are "gone" (as in never to return) before you remove a baby
from a nest. Another common error made by humans is
believing a fledgling needs their help. A fledgling is a baby
who is learning to fly. Fledglings will remain on the ground
for a few days while they strengthen their wings and develop
their flight skills. This is a natural course of nature. Only if the
abandoned. Feeding baby birds is time-consuming for the
parents and they will spend time away from the nest in
search of food. Make sure you absolutely know the parents
are "gone" (as in never to return) before you remove a baby
from a nest. Another common error made by humans is
believing a fledgling needs their help. A fledgling is a baby
who is learning to fly. Fledglings will remain on the ground
for a few days while they strengthen their wings and develop
their flight skills. This is a natural course of nature. Only if the
fledgling is truly in danger should it be removed. Keep in mind that the babies will fare
far better with their wild parents than with the best care any human can provide. If you
have any questions, please call us at 520-424-9348 before removing a baby bird.
far better with their wild parents than with the best care any human can provide. If you
have any questions, please call us at 520-424-9348 before removing a baby bird.
Why do I need to keep the bird warm?
When a bird has an illness or injury, the energy normally used to maintain a proper body
temperature is directed toward healing the body. Likewise, a young baby bird who has
not grown the feathers to maintain her body heat relies on the warmth provided by her
parents.
To keep the bird warm, place a heating pad on a low setting in the bottom of a box.
Place a towel over the heated area and feel it with your hand. Make sure it is not too hot
for the bird. By placing the heating pad in 1/2 the box bottom, the bird will be able to
move off the heat if it becomes too warm for her. Make sure the box has a lid and air
holes.
When a bird has an illness or injury, the energy normally used to maintain a proper body
temperature is directed toward healing the body. Likewise, a young baby bird who has
not grown the feathers to maintain her body heat relies on the warmth provided by her
parents.
To keep the bird warm, place a heating pad on a low setting in the bottom of a box.
Place a towel over the heated area and feel it with your hand. Make sure it is not too hot
for the bird. By placing the heating pad in 1/2 the box bottom, the bird will be able to
move off the heat if it becomes too warm for her. Make sure the box has a lid and air
holes.
| Mailing address: 20928 North John Wayne Parkway, Suite C-13, PMB 343 Maricopa, Arizona 85239 Call us at: 520-424-9348 |
I'm afraid I'll get hurt if I handle the raptor. What should I do?
We will come to the location of the raptor or give you the contact number for someone
in your area. Raptors need to be handled with extreme caution and care. The
volunteers for Buteo Shadows Raptor Center have been carefully trained in handling
the raptors. This is important for the safety of both the raptor and the handler.
It is important, however, that the raptor be contained before we will drive to your
location. You may be thinking "How can I contain the bird without handling it?" There
are ways to accomplish this. Please ask us about this when you call.
Please understand that when a volunteer dedicates their time and resources to drive to
a rescue location only to be told "the bird was here a minute ago" but the bird is
nowhere to be found, it can be disheartening. Animals are in touch with their sixth
sense, it's how they survive. You may have seen the bird in that same spot for several
hours only to have it disappear minutes before a volunteer arrives.
Remember that the birds do not know we are there to help. They see us as their
captors, not as their friends. So please be sure the raptor is contained before we come
to pick it up.
We will come to the location of the raptor or give you the contact number for someone
in your area. Raptors need to be handled with extreme caution and care. The
volunteers for Buteo Shadows Raptor Center have been carefully trained in handling
the raptors. This is important for the safety of both the raptor and the handler.
It is important, however, that the raptor be contained before we will drive to your
location. You may be thinking "How can I contain the bird without handling it?" There
are ways to accomplish this. Please ask us about this when you call.
Please understand that when a volunteer dedicates their time and resources to drive to
a rescue location only to be told "the bird was here a minute ago" but the bird is
nowhere to be found, it can be disheartening. Animals are in touch with their sixth
sense, it's how they survive. You may have seen the bird in that same spot for several
hours only to have it disappear minutes before a volunteer arrives.
Remember that the birds do not know we are there to help. They see us as their
captors, not as their friends. So please be sure the raptor is contained before we come
to pick it up.
How To Help a Sick, Injured or Abandoned Bird
What if I have a wildlife emergency and can't reach a volunteer at
Buteo Shadows Raptor Center right away?
Please leave us a message at the center and call our cell phone, but also contact other
wildlife organizations in the area (see below).
Most likely you will get a recording when you call any wildlife center. There is so much
to be done for the birds that sitting by the phone is not a luxury given to wildlife
rehabilitators. Please be patient. Call each number, leave a clear message of the
purpose of your call & how you can be reached, then keep your phone line clear.
Keep the bird safe and warm until you hear back from one of us. Please see that the
bird or animal you are trying to help receives care right away. Time is critical to these
sick, abandoned or injured creatures and inappropriate
contact with humans is harmful to their recovery.
Other wildlife organizations in the Valley of the Sun:
East Valley Wildlife: 480-814-9339
Liberty Wildlife: 480-998-5550
Wild at Heart (for owls): 480-595-5047
Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center 623-582-9806
Buteo Shadows Raptor Center right away?
Please leave us a message at the center and call our cell phone, but also contact other
wildlife organizations in the area (see below).
Most likely you will get a recording when you call any wildlife center. There is so much
to be done for the birds that sitting by the phone is not a luxury given to wildlife
rehabilitators. Please be patient. Call each number, leave a clear message of the
purpose of your call & how you can be reached, then keep your phone line clear.
Keep the bird safe and warm until you hear back from one of us. Please see that the
bird or animal you are trying to help receives care right away. Time is critical to these
sick, abandoned or injured creatures and inappropriate
contact with humans is harmful to their recovery.
Other wildlife organizations in the Valley of the Sun:
East Valley Wildlife: 480-814-9339
Liberty Wildlife: 480-998-5550
Wild at Heart (for owls): 480-595-5047
Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center 623-582-9806
Keep in mind that each of these wildlife rehabilitators are volunteers. They have jobs,
like you, to provide a living. The care they give to the wild creatures is on their own
time and at their own expense. Any donation you can offer will be greatly appreciated
as the medical costs and subsequent care for the wildlife can get expensive. Your
support of these wildlife rehabilitators will enable them to continue to provide this
valuable service to you and to Arizona wildlife. We thank you for your support.
like you, to provide a living. The care they give to the wild creatures is on their own
time and at their own expense. Any donation you can offer will be greatly appreciated
as the medical costs and subsequent care for the wildlife can get expensive. Your
support of these wildlife rehabilitators will enable them to continue to provide this
valuable service to you and to Arizona wildlife. We thank you for your support.
520-424-9348 (Center) or 480-323-0517 (Cell)
Steve Staviski
